Overboot for a bi-pod adapter

ABSTRACT

An overboot device is provided for increasing a foot print of a foot portion of a bi-pod firearm support. The overboot preferably comprises a base having a cone projecting therefrom and a cylinder axially extending from the cone. A plurality of fingers axially extend from the cylinder and include a tab radially projecting therefrom. The tabs form a ring which combines with an axially spaced apart annular flange radially projecting from the cone to define a recess therebetween. A removable band nests within the recess so as to constrict the fingers toward one another to reduce the diameter of the cylinder such that the overboot may be secured about the foot portion of the bi-pod assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to bi-pod mounting assemblies for firearms and, more particularly, to an overboot device for increasing the foot print of the foot portion of the bi-pod assembly so as to prevent the assembly from sinking in snow, mud, and other mire.

[0003] 2. Discussion

[0004] Modern firearms, such as rifles in particular, may be more accurately and conveniently fired by the user if the firearm is equipped with a bi-pod assembly for supporting the barrel. One example of a lightweight, detachable bi-pod assembly with foldable legs is described in my previous patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,470,216 issued on Sep. 11, 1984, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0005] The '216 patent discloses a bi-pod assembly which is removably attached to the barrel portion of a firearm. The bi-pod assembly is secured to the barrel of the rifle by means of a bi-pod mounting device. Two support legs are coupled to the mounting assembly so that they can be stored in a first position substantially parallel to the barrel and can be moved to a second position substantially perpendicular to the barrel for providing support during shooting. The distal end of each support leg opposite the firearm terminates in a foot portion which includes an enlarged diameter base. The foot portion is formed from rubber so as to provide stable contact with the ground or other substratum on which the bi-pod assembly is supported.

[0006] While such a bi-pod assembly of my earlier patent is well adapted for convenient use during non-adverse weather conditions, firearms frequently require use in harsh or hostile environments. When the ground is covered with snow or consists of mud or other mire, the foot portion of the support legs may sink into the substratum. This results in a less stable shooting platform for the user.

[0007] In accordance with the present invention, an enlarged cup-like add-on foot portion or overboot is provided for supporting the firearm on unsolid ground. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the overboot is removably coupled to a foot portion of a conventional bi-pod assembly. Such an overboot device is a desirable addition to the bi-pod assembly for the purpose of providing a stable shooting platform on an unsolid substratum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The above and other objects are provided by an overboot for increasing a foot print of a foot portion of a bi-pod firearm support. The overboot preferably comprises a base having a cone projecting therefrom and a cylinder axially extending from the cone. A plurality of fingers axially extend from the cylinder and include a tab radially projecting therefrom. The tabs form a ring which combines with an axially spaced apart annular flange radially projecting from the cone to define a recess therebetween. A removable band nests within the recess so as to constrict the fingers toward one another to reduce the diameter of the cylinder such that the overboot may be secured about the foot portion of the bi-pod assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In order to appreciate the manner in which the advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings only depict preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting in scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of firearm having a bi-pod assembly secured thereto including a preferred embodiment of the overboot device according to the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the overboot device and foot portion of the bi-pod assembly of FIG. 1; and

[0012]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the overboot device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The present invention is directed towards an overboot device for a foot portion of a bi-pod assembly. The overboot device fits over the foot portion of the bi-pod assembly so as to increase the foot print thereof. As such, the bi-pod assembly is better suited for use on unstable surfaces such as snow, mud, and other mire.

[0014] Referring now to the drawing figures, FIG. 1, illustrates a bi-pod device 10 mounted on a rifle 12. The bi-pod device 10 is secured to the stock 14 of the rifle 12 by means of a plate adapter 16. The bi-pod device 10 includes a pair of support legs 18 secured to the plate 16. A pair of springs 20 extend between the plate 16 and the legs 18 for urging the legs 18 towards a position parallel to the stock 14. In the position illustrated, the support legs 18 extend substantially perpendicular to the stock 14 and are held there against the bias of the springs 20 due to an “over-center” configuration thereof. By slightly rotating the support legs 18 towards the stock 14, the over-center condition is eliminated and the legs 18 are rotated parallel to the stock 14 by the springs 20.

[0015] Each support leg 18 includes a foot portion 22 at a distal end thereof opposite the rifle 12. An overboot device 24 according to the present invention is secured about each foot portion 22 to increase a foot print of the bi-pod device 10 such that it may support the firearm 12 on unsolid ground.

[0016] Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross sectional view of the foot portion 22 and the overboot 24 of FIG. 1 is illustrated. The foot portion 22 includes a cylindrical housing 26 encircling the support leg 18 and terminating at a distal end in an integral conical base 28. The conical base 28 is truncated so as to define a circular end 30. The conical base 28 also includes a plurality of concentric ribs 32 circumferentially extending from a perimeter thereof. The ribs 32 yield a stepped configuration to the cross section of the foot portion 22. The rib 34 farthest spaced apart from the circular end 30 forms an annular flange 36 radially projecting from the cylindrical housing 26 adjacent the conical base 28.

[0017] The overboot 24 includes an inner surface 38 complimentary of the outer surface 40 of the foot portion 22. The cup-like overboot 24 generally consists of a cylindrical wall 42 integrally formed with a toroidal base 44. More particularly, the toroidal base 44 is shaped as a truncated cone having a circular base 46 integrally formed with a cone portion 48 projecting therefrom. The cone portion 48 terminates at the integrally formed cylindrical wall 42.

[0018] A plurality of concentric ribs 50 radially project from the cone portion 48 of the base 44 between the circular portion 46 and the cylindrical wall 42. The rib 52 farthest spaced apart from the circular portion 46 forms an annular flange 54 radially projecting from the proximal end 56 of the cylindrical wall 42 adjacent the cone portion 48. An annular ring 58 radially projects from the distal end 60 of the cylindrical wall 42 axially spaced apart from the annular flange 54. Together, the annular flange 54 and annular ring 58 define a recess 62 about the perimeter of the cylindrical wall 42.

[0019] A band 64 nests within the recess 62 for constricting the cylindrical wall 42 of the overboot 24 about the cylindrical housing 26 of the foot portion 22. Preferably, the band 64 consists of a pliant material such as rubber but may also comprise a non-extensible strap such as a string tied about the cylindrical wall 42. Also, the overboot 24 preferably comprises a flexible material such as rubber or, more preferably, Sanoprene (tradename).

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the overboot 24 is illustrated. The cylindrical wall 42 includes a plurality of fingers 66 projecting axially therewith. The fingers 66 are defined by a plurality of triangularly shaped slots 68 formed within the cylindrical wall 42 from the distal end 60. The slots 68 accommodate the constriction of the cylindrical wall 42 by the band 64 described above. Each finger 66 includes a tab 70 radially projecting from an end thereof opposite the annular flange 54. In combination, the plurality of tabs 70 form the annular ring 58 for defining the recess 62 with the flange 54. Although a tab 70 is depicted on each finger 66, one skilled in the art will appreciate that only a select number of fingers 66 need to be provided with a tab 70 to form the ring 58.

[0021] Referring now to all of the drawings collectively, in operation, the overboot 24 is slidingly positioned over the outer surface 40 of the foot portion 22 of the bipod 10. When the circular end 30 of the foot portion 22 comes into intimate contact with the circular portion 46 of the overboot 24, the overboot 24 is properly positioned relative to the foot portion 22. Thereafter, the band 64, for example, is stretched to a diameter greater than that of the annular flange 54. The band 64 is then slid over the annular flange 54 and nested within the recess 62. Due to the resilient nature of the band 64, the fingers 66 are drawn toward one another as the band 64 returns to its unstretched diameter. As such, the cylindrical wall 42 of the overboot 24 is constricted about the cylindrical housing 26 of the foot portion 22. While constricted, the inner surface 38 of the cylindrical wall 42 fictionally engages the outer surface 40 of the foot portion 22 and overlaps the annular flange 54. This frictional engagement, and the interference with the annular flange 54, prevents removal of the overboot 24 from the foot portion 22 prior to displacement of the band 64.

[0022] As should be clear from the foregoing description, the band 64 preferably has a diameter in a relaxed state smaller than the diameter of the constricted wall portion 42. As such, the band 64 continuously urges the cylindrical wall 42 into engagement with the cylindrical housing 26. Alternatively, a non-extensible cord 64 may be wound about the cylindrical wall 42 and drawn tight so as to constrict the fingers 66 about the hosing 26 of the foot portion 22. Thereafter the cord 64 may be tied or otherwise fixed to hold the cylindrical wall 42 in its constricted state.

[0023] Thus, the present invention provides an overboot device for increasing the foot print of a foot portion of a bi-pod assembly for supporting a firearm. The overboot device conveniently attaches to the foot portion and may be easily removed therefrom so that its use can be selectively implemented. By increasing the foot print of the foot portion of a bi-pod assembly with the overboot device of the present invention, the firearm can be accurately deployed on snow, mud or other mire. Due to its simplicity of design, the configuration of the inner surface of the overboot may be adapted to compliment any number of conventional foot portion designs.

[0024] Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. For example, the overboot device is not limited to use in conjunction with bi-pod devices for firearms, but may also be used with tri-pod devices such as those commonly used with cameras. Therefore, while this invention has been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, specification, and following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An overboot for a foot portion of a multiple-legged support assembly comprising: a base; a wall axially extending from said base and having a width dimension greater than a width dimension of said foot portion; and a band removably encircling said wall for constricting said wall relative to said foot portion so as to secure said overboot to said support assembly.
 2. The overboot of claim 1 wherein said base further comprises a substantially circular support member for interengaging a substratum and said foot portion.
 3. The overboot of claim 1 wherein said wall further comprises a cylindrical member axially extending essentially orthogonally from said base.
 4. The overboot of claim 1 wherein said band further comprises a pliant strap having a diameter in a relaxed state less than a diameter of said wall.
 5. The overboot of claim 1 wherein said band further comprises a cord removably tied about said wall.
 6. The overboot of claim 1 wherein said base further comprises a toroidal member.
 7. The overboot of claim 6 wherein said toroidal member includes a plurality of concentric ribs radially projecting from a perimeter thereof.
 8. The overboot of claim 1 wherein said base further comprises a truncated conical member having a plurality of concentric ribs radially extending from a conical portion of said truncated conical member.
 9. The overboot of claim 1 further comprising an annular flange radially projecting from said wall for positioning said band relative to said wall.
 10. The overboot of claim 1 wherein said wall includes a plurality of slots for accommodating constriction of said wall about said foot portion.
 11. The overboot of claim 1 further comprising an annular flange radially projecting from a proximate end of said wall adjacent said base axially spaced apart from an annular ring radially projecting from a distal end of said wall, said flange and said ring defining a recess about said wall for receiving said band.
 12. The overboot of claim 1 wherein said wall includes a plurality of triangularly shaped slots therein separating a distal end of said wall into a plurality of axially extending fingers.
 13. The overboot of claim 12 wherein select ones of said fingers include a radially extending tab for positioning said band relative to said wall.
 14. An overboot for increasing a foot print of a foot portion of a firearm support comprising: a circular base; a cone projecting from said circular base; an annular flange radially projecting form said cone; a cylinder axially extending from said cone adjacent said flange; a plurality of fingers axially extending from said cylinder; a tab radially projecting from select ones of said plurality of fingers, said tabs forming an annular ring radially projecting from said fingers axially spaced apart from said flange and defining a recess therebetween; and a removable strap nesting within said recess so as to constrict said fingers and reduce a diameter of said overboot such that said overboot is secured to said foot portion.
 15. The overboot of claim 14 wherein said cone includes a plurality of concentric ribs radially extending therefrom between said base and said flange for providing a contoured surface for interfering with a surface upon which said overboot is supported.
 16. The overboot of claim 15 wherein said ribs have a stepped cross-sectional configuration.
 17. The overboot of claim 14 wherein an inner surface of said overboot compliments an outer surface of said foot portion of said firearm support.
 18. The overboot of claim 14 wherein said cylinder includes a plurality of triangular slots formed therein defining said fingers.
 19. The overboot of claim 14 wherein said strap further comprises a pliant band having a diameter in a relaxed state less than a diameter of said wall so as to constrict said fingers when nested within said recess. 